Sreejesh to lead 18-member Indian team for Champions Trophy

June 1, 2018

New Delhi, May 31: Seasoned goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh will lead an 18-member Indian hockey team in the final edition of the Champions Trophy at Breda in the Netherlands from June 23. Under Sreejesh’s leadership, the Indian team created history in the previous edition by clinching the silver after a tense final encounter with World No.1 Australia. It was India’s first podium finish at the Champions Trophy in 34 years.

“I think that was the closest we came to winning the Gold and most importantly beating Australia. Though we had to settle for a second place, it was a memorable tournament. This time too, we want to make it a memorable one as it’s the last edition of the prestigious event,” said Sreejesh in a statement.

Sreejesh will be joined by youngster Krishan Pathak as goalkeeper while India’s defence will see the experienced Birendra Lakra make a comeback into the squad.

He will be joined by drag-flickers Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas along with Surender Kumar and debut player Jarmanpreet Singh who earned a place in the Core Group after a stupendous domestic season.

“The team is a good mix of youth and experienced players. The Champions Trophy 2018 is an extremely important tournament for the players to showcase their firepower as the team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta will be picked based on the performance there and the Commonwealth Games,” head coach Harendra Singh said.

India’s aim will be to finish on the podium to set the momentum right ahead of major International events such as the Asian Games in August and the much-awaited Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018 starting in November.

India will begin their campaign at the Champions Trophy against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 23.